Wigan complete Thomas deal

02 Jul 2009 08:47:00

Wigan have signed midfielder Hendry Thomas from Honduran club Deportivo Olimpia on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.
The 24-year-old was due to join the club last summer but his move was turned down as he did not meet the work permit criteria because he had not played enough games for his country. However, that situation has now improved and a deal was agreed a couple of months ago between the clubs, with the player now passing a medical and agreeing terms.
Thomas is technically the signing of former manager Steve Bruce, who identified the player over a year ago, and even when he left to take charge at Sunderland the Latics were keen to push the deal through at the second attempt.
A number of clubs were alerted to his availability after Wigan's failed bid 12 months ago but new manager Roberto Martinez is pleased the player has shown loyalty to the Latics.
"Everyone knows how well Wilson and Maynor have done in the Premier League and it is no wonder there was lots of interest in Hendry, who comes from the same club as those two and has impressed," he said. "What happened last season here was a shame but the player now has the chance to prove himself over here.
"He is a powerful figure in midfield, who can sit in front of the back four and destroy attacks, or can also come forward and score. He is a player the club has worked really hard to secure these past months, with representatives from here travelling over to Honduras to meet with him and broker the deal - and all that hard work has paid off now."